Council Investigation Concluded

An investigation by Chesterfield Borough Council and Derbyshire Constabulary into irregularities with a raffle held by Chesterfield Football Club has been concluded.

The council and police were asked to carry out an investigation after the club promoted a raffle with a prize to accompany the first team on a pre-season tour to Hungary in July 2016.

It transpired that the raffle was never drawn and a fictitious winner was invented by the club.

When this came to light, the club reimbursed fans who had bought tickets.

The club’s management carried out an investigation and identified who was responsible for running and promoting the raffle. This individual was dismissed from the club.

He was interviewed and admitted having run an unlawful lottery contrary to the Gambling Act of 2005 and has been issued with a caution.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing said: “Our officers have worked closely with police officers to carry out an investigation into this unlawful raffle held at Chesterfield FC.

“The club has co-operated fully with the investigation and we are satisfied that steps have been put in place at the club to prevent further unlicensed raffles from taking place.”

Chesterfield director & company secretary Ashley Carson said: "I would like to thank Chesterfield Borough Council for the efficient and in-depth way that they have conducted their enquiries.

"I am satisfied with the outcome and happy that this very unfortunate incident can now be closed."